Basic Research Strategy
A research strategy is a systematic plan for finding the information you need quickly and efficiently. A basic research strategy appears below. Note that evaluation of sources is an integral part of the research strategy.
I. CHOOSE A TOPIC.
Avoid a topic that is too broad (you’ll be swamped) or too narrow (you won’t find enough).
II. FIND BACKGROUND INFORMATION.
General encyclopedias (Britannica, Americana, etc...)
Specialized encyclopedias (Encyclopedia of Psychology, etc.)
Specialized reference books (almanacs, atlases, etc.)
Look up unfamiliar terms in a dictionary.
III. LOCATE BOOKS/ARTICLES ON YOUR TOPIC.
Voyager catalog/Library of Congress Subject Headings
Bibliographies (at the end of books, articles, etc.)
IV. EVALUATE SOURCES.
Does the TITLE sound right?
Is the AUTHOR an authority? (Check biographical sources.)
Is the JOURNAL reputable? (Is it a scholarly journal or a popular magazine? What sort of information does your paper require?)
Does the book/article have a BIBLIOGRAPHY?
Check the DATE. Do you need current or historical information?
How is the book REVIEWED? (Check the Book Review Digest.)
V. LOCATE BOOKS / ARTICLES IN THE LIBRARY.
Request materials not held the Hartfield Library from interlibrary loan. Allow two weeks for such requests to be filled.
VI. TAKE NOTES.
VII. ORGANIZE.
VIII. WRITE.
Rewrite. Document your sources, using the STYLE MANUAL recommended by your instructor. Consult the reference librarian on where to find these manuals. Some are on the Reserve Shelf; others are in the Reference Collection.